How To Succeed When You Fail

Failure gets a bad rap – a dreaded outcome we work hard to avoid. But what if I told you that failure isn't your enemy but your friend? Indeed, failure can be the secret sauce that propels you forward on your journey to success.

In his insightful book "Fail More: Embrace, Learn, and Adapt to Failure on the Road to Success," leadership speaker Patrick Bet-David shares profound insights about the power of failure as a teacher.

Here are some key insights I took from his book:

1. Fear of Failure Hinders Growth

Our fear of failure often holds us back. We worry about embarrassment, our image, or stepping into the unknown. This fear creates a cycle of avoidance, preventing us from embracing challenges. But avoiding failure also means missing out on so much.

As Bet-David points out, success comes from adjusting and adapting. Think of sales calls – you may face countless rejections before achieving a sale. Each of those "mini failures" or customer rejections are learning steps towards your ultimate goal of making money.

2. Moving Beyond Comfort Zones

Actual growth emerges when we step out of our comfort zones. Embracing failure requires accepting discomfort. Mastery demands enduring failures before you taste success. As Bet-David wisely notes, "Mastery demands work and sacrifice."

Think of J.K. Rowling, who faced multiple rejections from publishers before her “Harry Potter” series became a global phenomenon.

Though pushing boundaries can be daunting, it's liberating. Without fear of failure, we can take risks that accelerate our personal and professional growth.

3. Reframe Failures as Lessons

Failures are learning opportunities. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, ask: "What can I learn from this? How can I avoid this in the future?"

This mindset transforms your setbacks into stepping stones for improvement.

We often crave instant success. Yet, a journey to success is usually a repeated series of failures and learning experiences. Each setback guides us closer to our goals. Bet-David advises, "View yourself as always learning, not as a success or failure."

Persistence and daily steps forward lead to long-term success, even if they aren't Herculean feats.

4. Redefine Your Success

Success transcends titles and material gains. It's about living by your values and standards. Don't let external measures dictate your success. As Bet-David suggests, "Define success on your terms, not others'."

When you align success with your values, you craft a fulfilling life that resonates with purpose, irrespective of external recognition.

Embracing Failure

Even when you do the right things and follow all the right steps, failures still happen. Unforeseen events are part of business and life. The key is not taking it personally.

Persistence through failures builds resilience. And shifting your mindset to see mistakes as powerful lessons helps guide you forwards.

By embracing failure then, you open doors to new possibilities. Therefore, the only thing to be afraid of is that your fear of failure will stop you from trying.